Kumasi, Jan. 9, GNA - The Ghana Association of Phonographic Industry (GAPI), has congratulated Professor John Evans Atta Mills for his election as the President of Ghana. A statement signed by Mr John Mensah Sarpong, President of GAPI, said that the association was certain that the music industry would flourish under the administration of President Mills. It said "We hope that under your administration the music industry would flourish and that we the music producers in particular would be listened to and be recognized by your government".. The statement said past governments had failed to listen to GAPI members, who invested in the development of creative talents of musicians in Ghana.

It said the authorities had either displayed apathy or had not put in place adequate laws to protect the interest of GAPI members. The statement said "The result of this apathy is that, music users do not pay accruing royalties. Radio and FM companies use our music free without paying royalties to us. In fact our industry is on the decline".

It said the association was believed that piracy which was having a very negative impact on the music industry would be stopped under the new administration.

The statement also congratulated Mr. John Dramani Mahama, Vice President for supporting President Mills to win the elections. 9 Jan. 09